U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Federal Duck Stamp Office Presents North American Waterfowl Photo: Donna Dewhurst/USFWS This publication is dedicated to the memory of Robert W. Hines (1912-94), the internationally renowned wildlife artist whose illustrations appear in these pages. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Bob Hines was a self- taught artist and wildlife scientist. By the age of 27, he was working as a staff artist with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. In 1947, he accepted a similar position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rachel Carson was Hines’ first FWS supervisor in Washington, DC. She asked him to illustrate her second book, “The Edge of the Sea”. Throughout the years, his work appeared in many government published books, pamphlets and posters, as well as in national magazines such as Sports Afield and The New Yorker. Hines loved the outdoors, particularly Alaska, and was an avid hunter and fisherman, with a deep reverence and appreciation for fish and wildlife. His practiced eye could see incredible details in a sunset or the breast feather of a wild turkey. Hines was charming, as well as an extraordinarily talented artist: his personal friends included several Secretaries of the Interior, who would occasionally slip into his office to listen to tales of his outdoor adventures. Hine’s sense of humor and relaxed, modest air belied his tremendous talent. Recognized by the Department of the Interior with three Meritorious Service Awards and upon his retirement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service honored him with the Distinguished Service Award. Bob Hines’ beautiful wildlife art stands as not only his legacy for current and future generations of wildlife artists but also as a lasting tribute to a dedicated conservationist and gifted artist. Table of Contents Federal Duck Stanp Program 4 Black Scoter 51 Junior Duck Stamp Program 5 Common Eider 51 Migratory Bird Program 6 Long-tailed Duck 52 Top Ten Reasons to Buy Harlequin Duck 52 A Stamp 7 Swans 53 What to Look For 9 Canada Geese 54 Administrative Waterfowl Brant 55 Flyways 10 Snow 55 Eclipse Plumage 12 Geese 55 Puddle Ducks 13 White-Fronted Geese 55 Mallard 14 Comparative Sizes of Pintail 17 Waterfowl 56 Gadwall 18 Wetlands Attract Wildlife 58 Wigeon 20 Shoveler 22 Blue-Winged Teal 24 Cinnamon Teal 25 Green-Winged Teal 26 Wood Duck 28 Black Duck 30 Diving Ducks 31 Canvasback 32 Redhead 34 Ring-necked Duck 36 Scaup 38 Goldeneye 40 Bufflehead 42 Ruddy Duck 44 Red-Breasted Merganser 46 Common Merganser 47 Hooded Merganser 48 Whistling Ducks 49 Illustrations By Bob Hines/U.S. Fish and White-Winged Scoter 50 Wildlife Service Surf Scoter 50 Federal Duck Stamp Program Put Your Stamp on Conservation Every autumn as migration begins, artists enter the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. Wildlife artists from around the country compete for the honored title of the next Federal Duck Stamp artist. The winning artist’s design graces the next Federal Duck Stamp and is sold the following year. Buying a Federal Duck Stamp is a simple way to invest in the acquistion and conservation millions of acres of wetland and wildlife habitat for the behefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of all people. Since the program began in 1934, the sale of Duck Stamps has generated enough revenue to acquire over 5.3 million acres of wetland habitat. These lands are protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and are a part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Federal Duck Stamps are sold for $15 each by the U.S. Postal Service, Amplex Corporation and many National Wildlife Refuges. www.fws.gov/duckstamps 4 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program Support Conservation Education Through the Junior Duck Stamp Program, the Fish and Wildlife Service fosters positive attitudes toward wildlife conservation and mentors the next generation of land stewards. By introducing stu- dents in K-12th grade to outdoor activities, we hope to connect today’s youth to their environment. The Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest is the culmina- tion of the Junior Duck Stamp educational program. First, students study waterfowl anatomy, habitat, and wildlife conservation. They then articulate their newfound knowledge by drawing, painting or sketching pictures of any North American waterfowl species. Students submit their art to state or territory pro- gram coordinators to compete in state contests for recognition and prizes. The first place state entries or “Best of Show,” are entered in to the National Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest. One image is chosen to become the next Junior Duck Stamp. Junior Duck Stamps are sold for $5 each by the U.S. Postal Service, Amplex Corporation and many National Wildlife Refuges. All proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamps are returned to the states, to support the Junior Duck Stamp Program and conservation education. www.fws.gov/juniorduck 5 Migratory Bird Program Conserving America’s Birds Migratory birds are among nature’s most magnificent living resources and play a significant ecological, economic, and cultural role in the United States and internationally. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Bird Program is responsible for maintaining healthy migratory bird populations for the benefit of the American people through: • Population Monitoring, Assessment, and Management • Habitat Conservation • Permits and Regulations • Consultation • Communication and Outreach • Recreation To ensure long-term support for bird conservation and continued opportunities for citizens to enjoy bird-related recreation, the program conducts outreach and education programs for children and adults, through programs such as International Migratory Bird Day, Junior Duck Stamp Program, and Urban Conservation Treaties for Migratory Birds. http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/ 6 Top Ten Reasons to Purchase a Federal or Junior Duck Stamp 1. With over 550 refuges within the United States, each refuge is managed as a protected haven for birds and other wildlife. Since 1934, proceeds from the sales of federal duck stamps have been used to acquire criti- cal habitats in the lower‐48 states. All outdoor recre- ationists who enjoy wildlife and natural landscapes can thank those who have already purchased stamps. Duck stamp funds have been used to purchase over $750 million and protected 5.3 million acres of habitat for wildlife and future generations of people. 2. The Stamp costs only $15 and it’s easy for everyone to purchase – many Post Offices and National Wildlife Refuges carry them, and they can be purchased on- line at www.duckstamp.com. It’s cost effective: fully 98 cents out of every dollar (that’s $14.70) goes directly to acquire land for the Refuge System. 3. Duck stamp dollars not only go to refuges, but since 1958, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has used a portion of stamp revenues to purchase wetland and grassland habitats within the Prairie Pothole Region of the upper Midwest and northern Great Plains. 4. In response to serious downward trends of many species of “prairie” nesting birds, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) began purchasing permanent grass- land easements to conserve existing habitat for prairie nesting birds. The grassland easement program is integrally related to and compliments the FWS’s fee acquisition programs. 5. Not just for ducks, the purchase of a duck stamp benefits other birds too. Among scores of other bird species, numerous kinds of shorebirds, wetland and grassland songbirds are dependent on habitat derived from Stamp purchases. 7 6. Duck Stamp funds are used to purchase essential wetland habitat which helps naturally process and filter rain and stream run-off. Wetlands help improve our water quality. 7. Some of the most diverse and wildlife‐rich refuges in the nation have been acquired with Stamp funds. More than 99% of all Waterfowl Production Areas in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana were acquired through Stamp funding. 8. A Stamp is a “free pass” for an entire year – for a vehicle full of people at all refuges that charge for admission – a real bargain if ever there was one! 9. Help educate another generation of outdoor enthu- siast. Purchase a Junior Duck Stamp for $5 and all of your purchase goes to help educate youth on the importance of wetland conservation and waterfowl habitat. 10. The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation [Duck] Stamp is probably the best‐kept secret in all of bird conservation. By purchasing and displaying one you will show that you appreciate how effective long‐ term habitat protection for all birds and other wildlife can be and more importantly, that you care! 8 What to Look For Differences in size, shape, plumage patterns and colors, wing beat, flocking behavior, voice, and habitat —all help to distinguish one species from another. Flock maneuvers in the air are clues. Mallards, pintails, and wigeon form loose groups; teal and shovelers flash by in small, compact bunches; at a distance, canvasbacks shift from waving lines to temporary V’s. Closer up, individual silhouettes are important. Variations of head shapes and sizes, lengths of wings and tails, and fat bodies or slim can be seen. Within range, color areas can be important. Light conditions might make them look different, but their size and location are positive keys. The sound of their wings can help as much as their calls. Flying goldeneyes make a whistling sound; wood ducks move with a swish; canvasbacks make a steady rushing sound. Not all ducks quack; many whistle, squeal, or grunt. Although not a hard and fast rule, different species tend to use different types of habitat. Puddle ducks like shallow marshes and creeks while divers prefer larger, deeper, and more open waters. Flock Pattern Silhouette Color Areas Sound 9 Administrative Waterfowl Flyways Pacific Central Waterfowl Flyways The term “flyway” has long been used to designate the migration routes of birds.